Strategies for Improving Word Choice in Your Dissertation or Thesis
Open the pages of a dissertation and what do you see? Words, words, followed by more words. Without words, a dissertation would simply be a series of blank pages interrupted by an occasional graph or perhaps an equation or two. Because words are the stuff of dissertations (and theses), it is crucial that the writer pay attention to his or her diction, selecting the right word to convey the meaning intended. Here are nine tips to help you improve your word choice:
1. Increase vocabulary related to the topic of research.
Researchers tend to develop specialized terminology in order to discuss ideas unique to the topic of study. Such terminology represents important concepts that are specific and relevant to the research field. Being able to use such vocabulary allows a researcher to "enter the conversation" about the topics. However...
2. Avoid overuse of technical language.
While certain technical terms are necessary, using technical language where none is required detracts from the writing. For example: "Occupational segregation may confound the efficacy of experiential and tenure related variables in attempt to overdetermine the predictor values of said endogenous variables." Overloading on technical language not only makes it difficult for even educated readers to understand what is being said, but it also can be a sign that the writer does not fully understand the underlying meaning.
3. Choose words that carry exact meaning.
Do you ever have the feeling that, although the word you're using seems to work effectively, there is another word on the tip of your tongue that conveys exactly what you mean? Imagine the sentence: Perceptions of the object's dimensions may change depending on the viewer's position in relation to the object. Because the sentence is about perception, the word "perceiver" is most likely a better word than "viewer." "Viewer" is not incorrect; the second word is just more precise.
4. Favor specific words over generalized ones.
General words such as thing, good, and way should be replaced by words that describe the reference in more detail.
5. Eliminate colloquialisms, idioms, and conversational expressions.
Here are two examples of sentences that are too colloquial:
(1)The statistical conclusion really hit home.(2) The researchers need to brush up on findings from XYZ. Try to replace such expressions with more formal verbiage.
6. Use literal as opposed to figurative language.
Metaphors, analogies, similes, and emphatic language may work well in fiction, poetry, and even in non-fiction, but they should be avoided in any academic writing.
7. Employ synonyms for variation.
Sometimes that which is represented by a particular word is so crucial you find yourself repeating it in a paragraph, on a page, and throughout a chapter. Repetition may detract from the style of your writing. Using synonyms can alleviate repetition.
8. Balance the multisyllabic with the monosyllabic.
Too many multisyllabic words can make passages difficult to understand, while too many one-syllable words may make your writing seem too simplistic. Try to maintain a mixture of both types of words.
9. Avoid linguistic bias.
Usages to be avoided include male-specific references as a generic noun (e.g., policeman versus police officer), the generic pronoun he to refer to both men and women, unparallel designations (e.g. Native Americans and Whites), the generic term homosexual versus a more specific reference such as gay men or lesbians, and any pejorative label such as the demented, the depressives, and the elderly.
Final thoughts.
The ability to choose the correct word is a fundamental skill in academic writing. By applying these tips in your writing, your dissertation or thesis will not only sound more professional and academic, it will be easier to understand and make more sense, particularly to those who are knowledgeable about your topic or field of study.
1. Increase vocabulary related to the topic of research.
Researchers tend to develop specialized terminology in order to discuss ideas unique to the topic of study. Such terminology represents important concepts that are specific and relevant to the research field. Being able to use such vocabulary allows a researcher to "enter the conversation" about the topics. However...
2. Avoid overuse of technical language.
While certain technical terms are necessary, using technical language where none is required detracts from the writing. For example: "Occupational segregation may confound the efficacy of experiential and tenure related variables in attempt to overdetermine the predictor values of said endogenous variables." Overloading on technical language not only makes it difficult for even educated readers to understand what is being said, but it also can be a sign that the writer does not fully understand the underlying meaning.
3. Choose words that carry exact meaning.
Do you ever have the feeling that, although the word you're using seems to work effectively, there is another word on the tip of your tongue that conveys exactly what you mean? Imagine the sentence: Perceptions of the object's dimensions may change depending on the viewer's position in relation to the object. Because the sentence is about perception, the word "perceiver" is most likely a better word than "viewer." "Viewer" is not incorrect; the second word is just more precise.
4. Favor specific words over generalized ones.
General words such as thing, good, and way should be replaced by words that describe the reference in more detail.
5. Eliminate colloquialisms, idioms, and conversational expressions.
Here are two examples of sentences that are too colloquial:
(1)The statistical conclusion really hit home.(2) The researchers need to brush up on findings from XYZ. Try to replace such expressions with more formal verbiage.
6. Use literal as opposed to figurative language.
Metaphors, analogies, similes, and emphatic language may work well in fiction, poetry, and even in non-fiction, but they should be avoided in any academic writing.
7. Employ synonyms for variation.
Sometimes that which is represented by a particular word is so crucial you find yourself repeating it in a paragraph, on a page, and throughout a chapter. Repetition may detract from the style of your writing. Using synonyms can alleviate repetition.
8. Balance the multisyllabic with the monosyllabic.
Too many multisyllabic words can make passages difficult to understand, while too many one-syllable words may make your writing seem too simplistic. Try to maintain a mixture of both types of words.
9. Avoid linguistic bias.
Usages to be avoided include male-specific references as a generic noun (e.g., policeman versus police officer), the generic pronoun he to refer to both men and women, unparallel designations (e.g. Native Americans and Whites), the generic term homosexual versus a more specific reference such as gay men or lesbians, and any pejorative label such as the demented, the depressives, and the elderly.
Final thoughts.
The ability to choose the correct word is a fundamental skill in academic writing. By applying these tips in your writing, your dissertation or thesis will not only sound more professional and academic, it will be easier to understand and make more sense, particularly to those who are knowledgeable about your topic or field of study.
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